For as long as Luke Joeckel remains on the draft board in April, he’s likely to be seriously considered by whichever team happens to be on the clock.

The Chiefs, by virtue of holding the No. 1 overall pick, will have first crack at the standout Texas A&M offensive tackle. Joeckel finalized his plan Tuesday to enter the 2013 NFL Draft, according to multiple reports.

The 6-foot-6 Joeckel played a key role in Johnny Manziel’s sudden takeover of college football this season. Despite playing against elite SEC talent, week in and week out, Joeckel turned in a dominant 2012 and is considered to be, for now, the top available offensive lineman for the coming draft.

How strongly Kansas City leans toward Joeckel depends on a number of factors, not the least of which being Branden Albert’s pending free agency.

The Chiefs face the usual options with Albert set to hit the market: re-sign him, let him walk or slap the franchise tag on him. That third choice would cost the Chiefs just shy of $10 million, but it’s hard to see them allowing their starting left tackle to walk.

The variable that could push them toward that money-saving decision is Joeckel. If the Chiefs convince themselves in the coming couple of weeks that Joeckel is capable of filling Albert’s shoes, that swap may make sense for new head coach Andy Reid. Kansas City also might be intrigued by the prospect of Joeckel at left tackle and Albert at guard — the Chiefs need to address their interior line, too, now that guard Ryan Lilja has decided to retire.

Unfortunately for Reid and the Chiefs, the top of this year’s draft class does not have an obvious No. 1 pick — unlike the 2012 draft, where the Colts had their choice between Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. Given Kansas City’s obvious needs (quarterback, receiver and linebacker, for starters), that lack of a clear superstar has to be even more frustrating.

Which is why Joeckel has a shot to go No. 1, should Albert hit free agency and a huge K.C. roster hole suddenly meshes with the available draft talent.

Even if Joeckel slides past the Chiefs, though, he will find no shortage of teams interested in his talent — so much so, in a few cases, that the rest of the top 5 (Jacksonville, Oakland, Philadelphia and Detroit) might be able to swing a draft-day trade contingent on Joeckel’s availability.

But any of that quartet also could make a case for Joeckel early. Both the Jaguars and Raiders had huge issues at right tackle; the Eagles struggled all over their line (save for Evan Mathis), and are still awaiting Jason Peters’ return from an Achilles injury; and the Lions might be shorthanded, even with 2012 first-rounder Riley Reiff in tow, if Jeff Backus retires and Gosder Cherilus leaves in free agency.

All those teams will have to wait to see what the Chiefs do as a 2013 draft opener. Given Joeckel’s potential as an NFL lineman and the lack of elite prospects, a match could be made at No. 1 overall.

This isn't just a great RB, Barry was a once in a generation RB and I like to add look at how such organizations were run concerning the whole spectrum with coaching and other personnel. Barry was only true elite talent on the Lions and compare that to the Cowboys.

Here is one thing about Andy Reid. He is going to take the player he wants, regardless of how much the fan base wants the other.

In KC, you could have billboards for Geno Smith. You could have Geno Smith fan clubs parading around Andy Reid's office with signs 24/7. You could have local sports radio shows conjure up Geno Smith rally songs. You could have every local beat writer put out articles about how Geno Smith is the right choice. But come draft night, if Andy Reid falls in love with another player, he's taking him. Period. For better or for worse.

There were so many times where every fan and member of the local media in Philly thought the Eagles draft pick was going to for sure end up being player x, y, or z, but on draft night Reid will come out and surprise everyone with a player that no one expected.

So, what does that mean for your draft? Root for whatever player you want, but just make sure you are mentally prepared for the totally unexpected just in case. Reid is always good for one major curveball on draft day.

I just don't think Dorsey is a figurehead who's going to bow down to all of Reid's wants if he doesn't agree.

This isn't just a great RB, Barry was a once in a generation RB and I like to add look at how such organizations were run concerning the whole spectrum with coaching and other personnel. Barry was only true elite talent on the Lions and compare that to the Cowboys.

I don't get how it is a reach if the top QB is rated in the top 15 overall(by frankie mind you) and you take him at #1.

I don't understand the point of that emphasis. But if a QB is only rated the 15th best player, the fact that he is of a position of need is not enough of a reason to use a rare top pick of the draft on him. Especially if the QB ranked 32, 33, 34, overall is not that far behind as a QB.

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

How many times do we have to pass on a QB, draft some other slap dick, then watch that QB go on to be succesful before the fans say "you know what, why don't we ever take a chance"?

I think we are all unified that we want to see this draft bring us a young QB. We are just haggling over not squandering a rare chance a team gets at picking first in the draft.

Are you sure you know? you wanting to take Gino #1 damn the rankings or possible reach?

The thought there there is such a thing as a reach for a quarterback is silly.

Over the last 5-6 years, the bust rate of quarterbacks has been one of the lowest of any position group.

Would you rather have a guy like Eugene Monroe or Glenn Dorsey...or Joe Flacco?

**** the thought process that any other position can help your team more than a quarterback.

__________________"You’re out there playing against another man who is basically now trying to take your place and try and make your team lose a game and I’m not having that. I am going to do whatever it takes to protect my island and protect my team, first and foremost.” - Marcus Peters

But if think we are all unified that we want to see this draft bring us a young QB. We are just haggling over not squandering a rare chance a team gets at picking first in the draft.

This is why I have posted rarely in 11 years. (I say eleven years because somehow my first year of posts was lost) The biggest position of need of the Chiefs in the last 40 years has been QB, albeit Montanna and Greene. Instead, we have marveled at picks as N. Smith, D. Thomas, Carter, Tait, Albert, Berry,, and Bowe...

At what point does the fan base and ownership realize that drafting a QB will make the most sense to move this franchise forward? Yeah, I get it, drafting the most awesome LT, LB, RB is awesome.

Until this franchise drafts and develops a QB, we will have awesome players going to the Probowl, while the rest of their team sits at home watching the games......

I don't understand the point of that emphasis. But if a QB is only rated the 15th best player, the fact that he is of a position of need is not enough of a reason to use a rare top pick of the draft on him. Especially if the QB ranked 32, 33, 34, overall is not that far behind as a QB.

I think we are all unified that we want to see this draft bring us a young QB. We are just haggling over not squandering a rare chance a team gets at picking first in the draft.

It wasn't a slight but I see how you think that, my bad. I was using your grade as the top QB in the draft being rated as 12th overall and how you should wait to take him. My thought is you don't pass on the QB because he is rated 12th, it would be dumb to. If Oakland could do it all over again they would take Big Ben instead of Gallery 10 times out of 10.